One thing that has struck me about Venice is how little I actually know about the place. I know its a city with canals and bridges, but that's about the limit of my knowledge. I have learnt a whole lot of random information while being here in Venice, so I am going to share some interesting facts, and random photos of bridge and gondolas.
- Venice was built on a series of 117 islands. It was built to defend the people against invasion as incoming boats could not navigate the difficult canals.
- There are over 400 bridges in Venice. There is only one bridge that allows access onto the islands.
- There are no cars in Venice. The only transportation is boat or walking. Lots and lots of walking.
- Gondola boats are always black.
- The Gondola boats cost around $25,000 as they are all handmade and wooden
- The 'Ferro' is the metal ornament on the front of the Gondola. The six metal teeth represent the six regions of Venice, the curve represents the Grand canal and the doges hat, the semicircular break represents the Rialto bridge.
- Venice was built on wooden piles which petrify under the water.
- It is currently sinking at a rate of 2 1/2 inches every 10 years, rising sea levels also threaten the city.
- During periods of very high tides, many parts of the city are submerged, including St Marks square. Wooden gangways are put in place so people can still get around.
- Venice has two famous islands, Burano and Murano. Burano is famous for lacework and Murano is famous glass work.
- In Burano the houses are painted many different colours, so the fisherman could find their way home in the fog. If one wants to paint their house now they have to get a permit.
- If one wants to become a glass maker, they have to study for 15 years. Even then they are only paid a minimal amount till they become a master after many years of work.
If you want more information about Venice, you can check out their very own encyclopaedia page, venipedia.org
No comments:
Post a Comment